Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1887-04-24
AN OVATION
At GRAFTON TO WK. N. CLEMENTS.
The Town Dscurates Itself and Gives Royal
Welcome
TOTHEMUCH-BELOYED "OLD MAN. /"
The Address Of the Mayor and Mr.. Clements
Response.
So..io, T,,orom toMe sanday Reciae.


railroad is not not a resident of this town
for the whole State claims him as her
Own-yet he is especially enshrined in the
affections Of our people, high and low, big
and little, great and small. As soon as
it became known that Manager Clements
was on trip of inspection over the line of
the road, our people, outside of railroad
circles, determined to show some mani
of the very great pleasure they
felt on his return to the management of
the lines of this great corporation.
ARRANGEMENTS
had been made for monster demonstra-
ton this evening, and to that end large
quantities of tar barrels had been pur-
chased, several bands from n distance en-
gagged, and an extra cannon or two Sc
cured. This programme was seriously in
terferred with when the news reached
town this morning that Mr.. Clement and
party had left Wheeling on the early train
and would reach Grafton about two o'clock
D. M. As an additional wet blanket to
the enthusiasm manifested for the occasion,
a personal letter was received from MIR,
Clements, who had, through some busybOdy
or other, gained wind OF the affair, ask
ing that no demonstration be shown
here on his account. Our business people,
however, concluded that this was not an
affair over which "Old Boss" had control,
and concluded, Notwithstanding the con-
flict in the former arrangements, to make
the affair at least impromptu, and go to
the train and there give expression TO their
enthusiastic qualification over that which
they regard as the greatest purely business
event that has marked the annals of our
town, since the first spike was driven on
the Southwestern Virginia Railroad.
About two o'clock our citizens began to
assemble at the railroad depot. The boys
got out
THE LITTLE BRASS CANNON,
which in political days belched forth their
enthusiasm for "Blaine and Logan" our
city band made its appearance and moth
ing more was necessary to set off their en-
thusiasm save the presence of West Nlr-
gina's honored citizen. At three O'Clock
the special train containing Mr.. Clements
private car, bearing the name West Nir-
ginia," lin which is written the record of
a noble act of a noble NAM forged into
the station amidst the shouts of spectators,
the thunders OF the cannon, the music of
the band playing ''Hail to the Chief" the
ringing of the Court House and shop bells
and the piercing whistles of about twenty
locomotives. Bedlam seemed to have ta-
ken possession of the scene, when Mayor
Raymond, accompanied by the town COun-
Gil and city officers, were invited into the
car, aud after congratulations the Mayor
extended the welcome and good cheer of
our people as follows:
THE MAYORS WELCOME.
"Mr. Clements:
'On the part and in the name of the
common Council and citizens of the town
of Grafton, tender to you q sincere and
hearty welcome, and with it our warmest
congratulations upon vOur return to the
management OF the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad. 1t is, l assure you, no sinister,
ambitious or selfish purpose which prompts
our people, of all ages, parties and call
ings, to come here and join in this large
demonstration of good feeling for you; but
it is our exalted regard for an honOred
citizen of our own State, who, while zeal
Ously performing his duty to his employees,
has never forgotten, as some others have, that
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad passes
through the State of West Virginia, and
that the interest of the localities through
which it winds its sinuous and noun
famous way, have rights and interests
in common, and in manner reciprocal,
and to that extent should be respected.
This idea is already verified in your action
by the name which embelishes the sides
of this beautiful car From your splendid
record in the past, we feel the warrant for
predicting that the future management OF
the great interests entrusted to your watch
ful care, will be so administered rs TO mar K
a renewal of the old era and business con.
fidence which in your former capacity
characterized the intercourse between the
Baltimore and Ohio railroad and its patrons
and employees, for we recall with pride that
during that period, all our people, from
the largest shipper to the sOOtieSt track
man could always, and at all
times secure respectful hearing and an
honest adjustment of his grievances at the
hands OF VIM. NJ. Clements. This senti-
ment, sir, emphasizes itself on its way, as
it carries me back TO the time when
in an individual capacity, as an humble
railroad emplOye, / was no stranger to
this feeling of confidence, and know that
so long as You are at the helm, your sub
A.
you for the same guarantee
"And now having performed that which
has been to me the most agreeable and
pleasant duty of my life over your personal
protest against this demonstration, beg
in conclusion to say that among all our
people here assembled to do you honor
and shake you by the hand, there is not
one among them who does not wish you
God speed in your new work, and the full
measure of absolute and complete happi-
ness and prosperity"
During the Mayors speech the big heart
of the ''Old man, )" as railroaders love to call
him, was visibly affected, and he feelingly
responded as follows:
Mr.. CLEMENTS RESPONSE
"Mr. Mayor, FeliOl0 Citizens and Friends Of
West Virginia.:
''By this demonstration l realize that
am home again, and with grateful heart
l thank you for your generous welcome.
To be able to renew old associations both
of a social and business character; which
at all times were of the most pleasant and
agreeable nature to me, has been, and is
always, the source of great pleasure; and
if during the time which has passed and
made its own record which cannot be re-
called, have contributed in the slightest
degree to your prosperity and happiness,
am more than repaid by the kind express
sion Of the warmth OF feeling upon your
part, and the good citizens for
whom you speak. / assure yOu that
language is feeble, indeed to enable me to
express my appreciation of the compliment
which this hour brings me, and / ask you
to convey to your people, and the kind
citizens of your town-among whom ]
number many personal friends-my warm
est thanks for your cordial, and hearty
welcome. And I hope that in the future
may bring to your town, and the road for
whom / act, that era of good feeling and
business prosperity of which you have 80
well spoken. as will redOuud To the